Shamshiry - The Best Kabobs That I've Had

Shamshiry
8607 Westwood Center Dr # 100A
Vienna, VA 22182-7506
(703) 448-8883
www.shamshiry.com/

Front page of the menu at Shamshiry

I first went to Shamshiry back in late 2005 with a former coworker. It was and still is the best kabob that I've had. The restaurant is Iranian, which are a little different from the Afghan style. I'd guess that Afghan style are more common, but I'm by no means a kabob expert.

We arrived at Shamshiry a little before 6pm on a Friday night. 

Bread (thicker than usual)

It wasn't super crowded because it was a little early for dinner, but there were still a decent amount of people in the restaurant.  A word to the wise: come early or you'll likely have to wait for a table.  After sitting down a pitcher of water, bread (the bread uses to be about as half as thin before, I'm not sure why it's so thick now), butter, and a spicy pepper relish are placed on your table.  I think they leave an entire pitcher of water on the table because the pepper relish can be a little bit spicy!

Pitcher of water on the table

Anita and I both knew what we wanted so when the waiter came I ordered for both of us.  I always get the Chicken Soltani because you get both a chicken kabob and a barg. Since kabob meat is usually on the thicker side it is often overcooked. Not here!  The large pieces of chicken are moist and tender. The barg is also perfectly seasoned and moist.

Spicy sauce for the bread and/or kabobs

The kabobs are served sans skewer (I think only homemade kabobs are served on those cheap wooden or bamboo skewers) on a huge bed of fluffy rice. The burnt part bit of rice at the bottom of the pan is called "tah digue." This is usually served on the platter when available, but I've rarely seen any on my plate. Just as well, because I personally do not like it, but I know a lot of people love this delicacy. You also have the option of getting a raw egg yolk served on top of the rice that you can mix in. I've tried this once and wasn't crazy about it. I prefer the light individual grains of rice.  Raw onions, a roasted tomato, and lemon wedges are served along with the rice and meat.

You get a lot of food here!  After filling up on a little bit of the bread neither Anita or I could finish out plates.  We packed our individual leftovers to go.  Combined, they completely filled a to go box.  It was literally enough meat and rice to make a new order of Chicken Soltani!  Our meal would have been perfect, except we had to wait for a while for our waiter to bring out check.

Chicken Soltani

The verdict? If you've never had kabobs you definitely need to check out Shamshiry. Even if you have other kabobs, come give Shamshiry a try. I'm pretty sure you're gonna like it!  Make sure to come hungry!